High-voltage DC flashover and punch-through of additively manufactured materials in pressurized air and dielectric oil for pulsed-power applications

POSTER

Abstract

Surface flashover and punch-through of dielectric materials are primary limiting factors for high-voltage, low-inductance pulsed-power drivers. The use of additively-manufactured (AM) materials as high-voltage insulation can enable rapid design iteration of complex geometries that are difficult to machine with standard techniques. We investigate the applicability of a range of AM materials for the purpose of high-voltage insulation in compressed air and dielectric oil environments. Details on these investigations are presented and compared to a variety of conventionally-manufactured insulating materials.

* This work is supported by the U.S. Department of Energy, National Nuclear Security Administration and the Institute for Critical Science and Applied Technology at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. LA-UR-20-24651

Authors

  • Ian Bean

    Virginia Tech

  • T. E. Weber

    Los Alamos National Laboratory

  • Colin S. Adams

    Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Virginia Tech

  • J. Boguski

    Los Alamos National Laboratory